Spooky Halloween Party! 10/24/08

In the tradition of CASA kids parties, we again hosted a wonderful Halloween party for CASAs and their CASA kids. Here are a few photos and captions. The party was held on 10/24/08 from 4 pm to 6 pm, and it's success can be largely attributed to our Staff organizer--Lakia Gavin--and many wonderful volunteers including Sherri Smith (our scientist corner), Janeth Gaines (cookie decorating), Laura Sigoloff (painting pumpkins), DeeNise Stoe (various!) and many staff members who helped. Special thanks to our friends at Wagging Tales who were able to bring Blaze and Ginko. I'm sure that we're forgetting someone, so please forgive me and know that we are so grateful! Thank you all who made it possible.

If you don't see your CASA kid, it's because we can't post photos of any of our CASA kids faces--which is why you only see staff members' kids and grandkids!
Here is Peg with little Quinn (Marty's own child). And Blaze the Bronco and Ginko the bumble bee.
Here's one of facepainting.
And another of the pumpkin painting desk.
Here is Peg with Jamari and Eric (Fe's son).
And last but not least...Here are some wonderfully spooky members of our program staff: Kristin and Kelly.

CASA Spotlight: Judy Coover

Age: 66 years

Hometown: My family moved around a lot in my childhood, but I guess I consider Lincoln, Nebraska, my hometown.

An adjective that describes you: Quiet

When did you first become involved with CASA Advocates for Children? I was assigned my first case in 2001. In 2004, at my request, Denver County and Arapahoe County CASA organizations agreed that I could take a Denver County case; I am still these children’s CASA.

What is your favorite part of volunteering with CASA Advocates for Children? Sharing the happy moments with the children and helping them through the tough times.

What has your work with CASA Advocates for Children taught you that you didn’t know before? The ineffectiveness of our country’s child protection system, the number of children in the system, and how many children end up being raised in the system. Being raised in the system should not be an acceptable alternative. The children are the ones who suffer, and they did nothing wrong.

What is something that you would want potential donors or volunteers to know about CASA Advocates for Children? When you, in your CASA role, need help, the Advocates’ staff is there for you.

Spotlight on: Macio Alston

Name: Macio Alston
Age: 34
Hometown: Born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. I’ve been in Colorado close to 20 years now though. Right now I live in Aurora.
An adjective that describes you: Fantastically Awesome. Just kidding…I’ll just go with handsome. Never mind that one is too obvious. How about – Focused, personable, determined, charming and funny.
When did you first become involved with CASA Advocates for Children? November, 2007
What is/was your favorite part of volunteering with CASA Advocates for Children? I enjoy each and every part of the “CASA adventure”. I enjoy the children, the parents, the courtroom setting, and the overall spirit of service. The children that I worked with (my case closed last month) are AMAZING. The opportunity to become part of a child’s life and make an impact is indescribable. I value the fact that the smallest gestures, as well as my time in general are very much appreciated. To pick a “favorite part” is tough, but I guess it would be the overall relationship that is created with the children and how much fun that leads to as it builds over time.
What has your work with CASA Advocates for Children taught you that you didn’t know before? This experience teaches me to appreciate the beauty of unexpectedness. No matter how much you prepare ahead of time you’ll never know how exciting the journey will be until you start driving down the road. I remember reading reports, memorizing names, and thinking of my “plan of action” before my first family visit. Only to have it go right out the window when the door opened and the kids starting jumping on my legs and showing off their toys. CASA gives me the opportunity to help others and learn a lot about myself as well.
What is something that you would want potential donors or volunteers to know about CASA Advocates for Children? You’ll never know the immense impact that you can make until you start the journey. The time and effort that you put into CASA is returned to you tenfold when you see the successes of the families and the smiles of the children. If you’re sticking your toes in the water right now my best advice would be to just “Jump In”…you won’t regret it.
A quote that you live by: “In order to succeed, your desire for success should be greater than your fear of failure.” Bill Cosby

CASA Spotlight: Matt Dickey

Name: Matt Dickey

Age: I am 34, will be 35 in December.

Hometown: I call Morrison, Colorado my home town, even though I was born on an Army base out of state. I spent most of my youth growing up in Morrison.

An adjective that describes you: Passionate!

When did you first become involved with CASA Advocates for Children? In February of 2008.

What is your favorite part of volunteering with CASA Advocates for Children? Spending time with my CASA kid and knowing that I am truly making a difference in his life. This position doesn't get any more rewarding than that!

What has your work with CASA Advocates for Children taught you that you didn’t know before? I've learned a lot about the court system and how to be patient with it. There are so many factors out of our control that we have to focus on what's most important for our kids. Sometimes it can be frustrating or feel like things aren't moving fast enough, but ensuring that our CASA kids are safe and in a healthy environment will have a lasting impact on their futures.

What is something that you would want potential donors or volunteers to know about CASA Advocates for Children? I want donors and future volunteers to know that this program truly makes a difference in many, many lives. The children that we work so hard for can and will ultimately benefit from the stability and support every CASA volunteer provides.

Congratulations, Mary Young!

CASA Mary Young was recognized for her outstanding achievement as a volunteer at the annual DOVIA (Directors of Volunteers in Agencies) "We Count On You" recognition luncheon.

Mary went above and beyond for her CASA kids, and did an amazing job investigating every possible family placement for these children.

Swearing In--August 27, 2008

Little late, to the post, but here are a few photos of our most recent training class at their swearing in ceremony.

Congratulations to everyone!

From our friends at Rainbow Alley, the youth drop-in center at the GLBTQ center in Denver

On Thursday, July 17, Angie Zapata, an 18-year old Latina transwoman was murdered in her home in Greeley, CO. She suffered two severe fractures in her skull. Her family believes that she was murdered by her boyfriend or members of her boyfriend’s gang because of her gender identity.

The Greeley Tribune, a local newspaper reporting on this case, continues to use an incorrect name and pronouns for Angie. Her family has been very supportive of her and are both angry and upset at this lack of accuracy and sensitivity in reporting. Please let the Greeley Tribune know that this is not acceptable and their lack of appropriate reporting is contributing to an environment where violence against transgender people is continuing. Contact information for the newspaper, editor and reporter is below.

The perpetrator has stolen Angie’s sister’s car, a very dark forest green 2003 Chrysler PT Cruiser with the Colorado license plate number 441ORN. There is a hubcap missing on the front passenger-side tire and there is paint missing on the front bumper on the driver-side, under the headlight. Anyone with information about the car is asked to call the Greeley police through the communications center, 970-350-9600. In addition, Angie’s cell phone and wallet were also stolen.

All media contacts should be directed to Kelly Costello, Director of Victim Services at the Colorado Anti-Violence Program (CAVP) at either kelly@coavp.org or 303-839-5204. CAVP works to eliminate violence within and against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer communities in Colorado.

Kelly CostelloDirector of Victim Services Colorado Anti-Violence ProgramP.O. Box 181085Denver, CO 80218www.coavp.org (303)839-5204(888)557-4441 toll-free

Greeley Tribune
Write a letter to the editor: http://apps.greeleytribune.com/utils/forms/lettertoeditor/

Randy Bangert, EditorPhone Number: (970) 392-4435E-Mail: rbangert@greeleytribune.com

Mike Peters, ReporterPhone Number: (970) 392-4433E-Mail: mpeters@greeleytribune.com